It often feels hotter on the beach than inland during the peak of summer due to the high reflectivity (albedo) of the sand and the lack of natural shade. Sand is an excellent absorber of solar radiation but a poor conductor, meaning the heat stays trapped on the surface, raising the air temperature directly above it to much higher levels than grass or forest soil. Furthermore, the relative humidity is typically higher near the ocean; when moisture levels are high, the body’s primary cooling mechanism—sweat evaporation—slows down, causing the "feels like" or "Heat Index" temperature to soar. While the "sea breeze" can provide a refreshing relief, it is often a "dry heat" mirage, as the direct exposure to UV rays reflected off both the water and the sand can cause your skin to absorb more heat than it would in a suburban or forested area. This combination of reflected heat and high humidity creates a localized environment where the sun feels significantly more intense than it does just a few miles inland.